Soarin’ Across America at Disney World and Disneyland: Everything You Need to Know

One of Disney’s most beloved rides is getting an all-new film, and the timing could not be better. Soarin’ Across America is now open at EPCOT and coming soon to Disney California Adventure Park, taking guests on a breathtaking simulated hang-glider flight over some of the most iconic and beautiful places in the United States. If you have been thinking about a Disney trip this summer, this is a strong reason to book it.

Here is everything you need to know about the new Soarin’, including opening dates, what to expect, tips for riding, and how to plan your dining around it.

What Is Soarin’ Across America?

Soarin’ Across America is an all-new film created for the America250 celebration, marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. It replaces the previous version of the attraction, Soarin’ Around the World, which took guests on a global journey across multiple continents.

The new version stays true to what makes Soarin’ so special. You will be lifted into a giant 180-degree, 80-foot IMAX dome in a hang glider-style seat and surrounded by stunning aerial footage of America. The ride includes wind effects, motion, and the signature scents that Soarin’ fans have always loved. What changes is the destination: this time, you are flying across the United States from sea to shining sea.

Walt Disney Imagineering captured more than a dozen breathtaking locations for the new flight, and the scope of the film is genuinely impressive. You will glide above iconic urban and natural wonders, from the rugged New England coastline and the radiant welcome of New York Harbor to the vast expanse of Grand Canyon West. The experience also features the autumn colors of the heartland, the beauty of the bayous, the great plains of the west, the northern wilderness, and sunlit island shores.

Disney has officially confirmed several scenes, and early preview riders have filled in the rest. The list below is in flight order. If you want to experience the ride fresh, skip ahead past the spoiler section.

Spoilers for Soarin’ Across America

SPOILER WARNING: the full Soarin’ Across America scene list is below.

New York Harbor, including the Statue of Liberty
New England coastline and Portland Head Light (Maine)
Mount Rushmore
The heartland in autumn
Louisiana bayou
The prairies
The great plains of the west
Grand Canyon West
The northern wilderness
Florida orange groves
Honolulu, Hawaii
EPCOT’s Spaceship Earth (the ride ends with an American flag projected onto it)

Tom Fitzgerald, creative director and chief storytelling executive at Walt Disney Imagineering, described the vision this way: “It’s a tapestry of urban wonders, natural beauty, and iconic locations that celebrate the spirit of the nation and the 250th anniversary of the United States.”

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Soarin’ Across America Opening Dates

Soarin’ Across America officially opens at EPCOT on May 26, 2026. At Disney California Adventure Park, Soarin’ Over California will continue to operate through July 1, with Soarin’ Across America opening the very next day on July 2, 2026.

If you are on the East Coast or visiting Walt Disney World this summer, you can ride it now. If you are heading to Disneyland Resort, mark July 2 as your target date.

Disney has described Soarin’ Across America as a limited-time experience, but no end date has been announced. Based on the scale of the America250 celebration and the significant investment in new footage and a new score, most Disney observers expect the attraction to run well into 2027.

What Is New About This Version of Soarin’?

Soarin’ Across America is the third major film version of the attraction and the first to focus exclusively on the United States. The ride system and experience format remain the same. What changes is the film, score, and scents.

A new musical arrangement by Bruce Broughton of the beloved Jerry Goldsmith Soarin’ themes underscores the adventure. Longtime fans of the original will appreciate that the classic melody they know is still in there, reimagined for this new journey.

In the Soarin’ queue at Walt Disney World, guests can put their knowledge of the United States to the test with an all-new trivia challenge. The Soarin’ Challenge Across America, created in collaboration with National Geographic, invites guests to discover facts about the states using content from beloved National Geographic titles including “50 States, 5,000 Ideas” and stunning photography from the National Geographic archives.

The scents have been updated to match the new American landscapes. Early riders noticed a grass scent in the prairie scene, a strong water smell in the Louisiana section, and a tropical flower for the Hawaii section.

Patrick Warburton returns as the pre-show flight attendant, now as Captain Patrick, who welcomes guests to this special iteration of the ride before handing off to a younger version of himself for the classic safety instructions.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Tips for Riding Soarin’ Across America

Getting the most out of Soarin’ comes down to a few key decisions before you ever step foot in line.

Choose the Right Seat

Request the top row, known as Row B1. The three rows are stacked vertically, and the top row gives you the most immersive experience with no feet dangling above you and the full dome filling your vision. Bottom row riders see feet from the row above, which breaks the illusion. Sitting in the center section also reduces image distortion, since the dome projection stretches at the edges and riders on the far sides see slightly warped images during certain scenes.

Ride Early or Use Lightning Lane

Soarin’ wait times already average 65 to 95 minutes during peak periods, and a new film will push those higher. Your best strategies are to ride during the first hour the park is open or to grab a Lightning Lane selection. Soarin’ Across America is available through Lightning Lane Multi Pass at both EPCOT and Disney California Adventure Park, and it is one of the most in-demand selections at both parks. Book it as early as possible when you enter the park.

At Walt Disney World, on-site hotel guests can take advantage of Early Entry, which gives you 30 minutes in the park before it opens to the general public. Soarin’ Across America participates in Early Entry beginning with its opening day, with on-site hotel guests able to enter starting at 8:30 AM. At Disneyland Resort, Early Entry for hotel guests ended on January 5, 2026. In its place, guests staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel receive one complimentary Lightning Lane Multi Pass entry per guest per stay, which can be used on Soarin’ Across America once it opens at Disney California Adventure Park on July 2.

Know What to Expect for Motion Sensitivity

Soarin’ is one of Disney’s more accessible thrill experiences. The motion is a gentle lift and tilt, not a spin or drop. Most guests with moderate motion sensitivity handle it well. The sensation is similar to hang-gliding rather than a roller coaster. However, the new film does involve some movement in the seats, so if you have had issues with simulator-style rides in the past, keep that in mind.

Do Not Skip the Queue Game (EPCOT Only)

The wait can feel long, but the new Soarin’ Challenge Across America trivia game in the queue at EPCOT makes it more entertaining. It is a fun way to spend the time and get your family into the spirit of the experience before you even board. This interactive queue experience is exclusive to EPCOT and is not part of the Soarin’ experience at Disney California Adventure Park.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Dining Near Soarin’ at EPCOT: The Land Pavilion

Soarin’ is located inside The Land pavilion at EPCOT, and that same building is home to two of the park’s most convenient dining options. If you are planning your day around riding Soarin’, these restaurants make it easy to combine a great meal with the attraction without having to cross the park.

Garden Grill Restaurant

Garden Grill is one of EPCOT’s most unique dining experiences and an absolute standout for families. It is a slowly rotating character dining restaurant on the upper level of The Land pavilion, directly above the Living with the Land attraction. As you eat, you get a bird’s-eye view of the greenhouse scenes from the ride below.

Mickey Mouse, Chip, Dale, and Pluto join guests in their harvest outfits for an all-you-care-to-enjoy family-style meal served at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Some of the ingredients used in the restaurant are actually grown in The Land pavilion’s greenhouses.

Reservations at Garden Grill can be hard to come by, especially at peak times this summer. If Garden Grill is on your list, head to MouseDining.com to set up an alert so you are notified the moment a table opens up for your date and party size.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Sunshine Seasons

If you are looking for a quick bite before or after riding Soarin’, Sunshine Seasons is right there on the lower level of The Land pavilion. It is widely considered one of EPCOT’s best quick-service options, with a rotating menu that includes grain bowls, sandwiches, and fresh salads. It is a solid, affordable choice that does not require a reservation.

Dining Near Soarin’ at Disney California Adventure Park

Soarin’ at Disney California Adventure Park sits in the Grizzly Peak area of the park. The closest dining option is right next door.

Smokejumpers Grill

Smokejumpers Grill is the quick-service restaurant directly adjacent to Soarin’ at Disney California Adventure Park. The menu is classic American comfort food. You’ll find burgers, chicken sandwiches, grilled cheese, fries, and onion rings, plus breakfast items in the morning and seasonal shakes. It is a convenient, low-key option that makes it easy to grab a meal before or after your flight. No reservation is required.

For guests looking for a table-service experience near Soarin’ at Disney California Adventure Park, Lamplight Lounge at Pixar Pier is a short walk away and is one of the most popular sit-down restaurants in the park. It features Pixar-themed decor, waterfront views of Pixar Pier, and a menu of creative American dishes and cocktails. Reservations are recommended and can be difficult to come by during busy summer weeks. MouseDining.com can alert you the moment a table opens at Lamplight Lounge for your date and party size.

Planning a Full Day at EPCOT Around Soarin’ Across America

Soarin’ fits naturally into a well-rounded EPCOT day. Here is how to think about it:

Rope drop: Head straight to Soarin’ first thing to beat the crowds, or use Early Entry if you are staying on property
Morning: Knock out other World Nature and World Celebration attractions like The Seas with Nemo and Friends, Test Track, or Guardians of the Galaxy
Midday: Grab lunch at Sunshine Seasons or use your Garden Grill reservation for a sit-down character meal
Afternoon and evening: Move into World Showcase for food, entertainment, and dining reservations

If you have not yet locked in your dining reservations for EPCOT, this is the time to do it. Summer at Disney World is one of the busiest stretches of the year, and popular restaurants fill up fast. MouseDining.com sends you an alert the moment a reservation becomes available at the restaurant, date, time, and party size you want, which takes the stress out of constantly refreshing the Disney app.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Soarin’ Across America open at Walt Disney World?

Soarin’ Across America opened at EPCOT on May 26, 2026.

When does Soarin’ Across America open at Disneyland?

Soarin’ Across America opens at Disney California Adventure Park on July 2, 2026.

Is Soarin’ Across America permanent?

Disney has confirmed it is a limited-time experience, but no end date has been announced. Based on the scale of the attraction and the America250 celebration, most expect it to remain at least through 2027. There is no rush, but there is also no reason to wait.

What happened to Soarin’ Around the World?

Soarin’ Around the World had its final day at EPCOT on May 13, 2026. The attraction closed May 14 for the transition and reopened as Soarin’ Across America on May 26. At DCA Soarin’ Over California runs through July 1, 2026 before Soarin’ Across America opens on July 2.

Is Soarin’ Across America available on Lightning Lane?

Yes. Soarin’ Across America is available through Lightning Lane Multi Pass at both EPCOT and Disney California Adventure Park. Given the added demand from a new film, grab yours early in the day for both locations.

What restaurants are near Soarin’ at EPCOT?

Garden Grill Restaurant and Sunshine Seasons are both located inside The Land pavilion alongside Soarin’. Garden Grill is a table-service character dining experience that requires reservations. Use MouseDining.com to get alerted when a table opens. Sunshine Seasons is quick-service and does not require a reservation.

What restaurants are near Soarin’ at Disney California Adventure Park?

Smokejumpers Grill is located directly next to Soarin’ and is a quick-service spot serving burgers, chicken sandwiches, and seasonal shakes. For a table-service option, Lamplight Lounge at Pixar Pier is a short walk away. It’s one of the most popular restaurants in the park, so use MouseDining.com to snag a hard-to-get reservation there.

What is the best seat on Soarin’?

Row B1, the top row in the center section, is widely considered the best seat. It gives you the fullest view of the dome with no obstructions and the least image distortion.

Is Soarin’ Across America good for kids?

Yes. Soarin’ is one of Disney’s most family-friendly attractions. The motion is gentle, the visuals are stunning, and there is no height restriction that affects most kids. The queue trivia game adds an extra layer of fun for the whole family while you wait.